TheSamba.com :: View topic - No-start woes

Sun Mar 31, 2013 12:33 pm

Hey guys... I had an intermittent no-start condition on the '65 Deluxe I recently resurrected, which has now become permanent. I realized that I had neglected to reinstall the transaxle ground strap, so I assumed that was the issue. However, after installing a new strap the problem has persisted.

I've tested voltage at various points, using the color wiring diagram, and have started encountering weirdness. To wit: I have 12V at the fuse block, and at 30 terminals on both the headlight switch and the (brand new) ignition switch. However, when I pull out the headlight switch, voltage drops to about 3V at the 30 terminal. Also, with the ignition switch at full twist, I get about 3V at the 50 terminal (output to solenoid). I have verified 0 Ohms at full twist with the ignition switch disconnected.

Any ideas why using either switch is dropping current so drastically, or where I might look next? As I've also lost voltage to my headlights, could the headlight switch be the culprit?

I'm at my wits' end here, and thought maybe one of you sages could point me in the right direction. Thanks-

Sun Mar 31, 2013 2:29 pm

since you actually get 3 volts on a main power supply line, you've got some very dirty connections somewhere. I do believe the wire going to the starter from switch is unfused. So, with that said, your faulty connection is somewhere between the positive battery terminal, to the headlight switch, to the ignition switch, to the starter. This is all assuming your battery itself has been charged, load tested, and is certified to start a vehicle.

Sun Mar 31, 2013 2:41 pm

Is your voltage also 3V at the main fuse? If you run a wire from the battery to the ignition switch, does it carry 12V? How is your battery ground cable?

Sun Mar 31, 2013 3:20 pm

quartermilecamel wrote: This is all assuming your battery itself has been charged, load tested, and is certified to start a vehicle.

^^This^^

First things first and eliminate the easy suspects. Confirm that your battery is sound enough to maintain a charge and provide the voltage/amperage to start the car. If the problem persists after confirmation about the battery, then proceed with your trouble shooting.

Sun Mar 31, 2013 4:57 pm

Recommend pulling engine, re-installing the 6V flywheel, and keeping the 6v starter. Run 12v through the 6v starter and never look back. It'll start every time, turn so fast you won't even need the spark plugs to fire; just put that thing in gear and motor on down the road... works great!

Sun Mar 31, 2013 5:17 pm

Thanks for the tips, guys... I'll run more tests on the battery tomorrow.

Oh, and I *am* running 12V through the 6V starter!